What’s The Difference Between Clipping Path And Masking?

Image masking and Clipping path are two useful and effective photo editing techniques. These are used to remove unwanted objects from image background, isolate a subject from a background. But, are there any differences between Clipping Path vs. Masking background removal techniques? YES. Clipping path and image masking both do the same job. But the difference is the way to remove, eliminate or isolate the object from image. So! Are there any differences between clipping mask and image masking? When should you use clipping path and when masking will be appropriate? Let’s find out!

Clipping Path Overview

Clipping path is the most basic and essential techniques of image editing. It is widely used in photo retouching services, color correction, background removal, shadow making and so on. It is carried out by using the pen tool in photoshop to cut accurate shape, pattern, hole, and design. This is mostly used for acute, hard, sharp, smooth and straight edges images. Designers should be careful because a small flaw results in unnatural and unrealistic. So, to do it in the correct and perfect way, it is always better to zoom the images as much as possible. So designers can get to close to the edges and cut the straight lines easily. This will overcome the possibility of wasting image quality.

Image Masking Overview

Image masking or layer masking is another technique for exposing or hide some parts, forhigh-end retouching also background remove of an image. Masking is generally used when the image has so many turns, curves, complex soft edges, lots of lines and low details. Especially while the subject is smoke, fur, human hair, feathers, glasses, sweater, blanket, lighting, flames. In photoshop, layer masking can be carried out by background eraser tool, magic eraser tool, and color separation technique. Clipping masking is applied to alter, modify, add a new layer to remove unwanted portions or objects from the image. This is mostly used for commercial purposes, to make product catalogs, leaflets, brochures. This is also used in printing, media, photography, online products, creative design agencies and so on.

Clipping Path Vs. Image Masking: Which is Best for Background Removal?

So, we can see that the main difference between clipping path and image masking is the technique used for background removal. Both of them have some advantages and disadvantages. With Clipping Path, you can retouch many images at a time, and with image masking, you can eliminate one object at a time. Clipping path use pen tool, clipping mask use background eraser tool to remove the object from the background.

In Short, clipping path is the best way to remove the background from an image when the subject of the image has fewer lines, small curves, straight, round or rectangular shapes with a minimum number of holes. On the other hand, more multifaceted, complex images with so many turns, curves, complex soft edges, lots of lines need clipping masks. Clipping path can be used for complex images, but the problem is, the result will not be as appealing, attractive and natural if it would have been done with image masking.

Bottom Line is: Both Clipping path and image masking are mostly used to remove image backgrounds from online stores, e-commerce products to make products look more professional, natural and attractive. So, the importance of clipping path and image masking are both equally high. And we also know how important of each and every online and e-commerce product image look is! If you need professional clipping path service or image masking service to eliminate unwanted objects, background removal assistance from your e-commerce product images, contact us anytime for your quotation.